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10 Top Perks and Benefits That Win Employees Over

By Robert Half April 11, 2016 at 5:22pm

More and more often, over-the-top perks and benefits are becoming the norm rather than the exception. While some generous companies subsidize lunch options (and make sure they're right there in the building), others comp them altogether.

Now figure in some of the more unique corporate perks, like pet-sitting services and free dry cleaning delivery, and you may never have to open your wallet at work.

Like it or not, we spend the majority of our waking workweeks at the office. Many organizations understand this and try to make the time away from our personal lives as comfortable as possible. After all, happy employees mean higher productivity and better output.

One way to perk up your team? Invest in their overall contentment with substantial perks and benefits. The Creative Group, a Robert Half company, surveyed more than 400 advertising and marketing executives to discover their top offerings, and the results are in. See how our 10 top perks and benefits break down below.

Defining Perks and Benefits

They're often used interchangeably, but for our purposes, here's how we define the two types of company extras:

Benefits – as in employee benefits – are a form of non-wage compensation. If not offered by the employer, employees would likely have to fund them themselves.

Perks – as in perquisites or corporate perks – are nice-to-have additions to an employee's salary and benefits package. We define perks as above-and-beyond offerings that may sway an employee to value one position greater than another. Think icing on the cake.

5 Benefits Top Employers Offer

Healthcare. This benefits staple typically includes extended medical, dental, vision and/or life insurance coverage for the employee and their families.

Paid time off. Whether for vacation, illness or bereavement, PTO – personal time off – is a must for employees, and a great way to combat burnout. Two weeks is requisite, but three weeks starting PTO is hard to pass up.

Retirement plans. A pension or RRSP offering can be an excellent way to motivate employees not only to save for retirement, but to stick with their current employer for the long haul.

Maternity/paternity leave. Employees want to feel like they can pursue career goals while growing their families. Hence, many companies top up what the Government of Canada offers as parental paid time off for new parents. Even better? How about on-site day care? Or reproductive assistance, including fertility drugs and IVF?

Transportation reimbursement. If you're asking employees to travel long distances, pay tolls and parking, cross bridges, traverse tunnels or brave public transportation, offering to foot part or all of the bill can be a big plus.

5 Persuasive Perks to Enhance Retention

Work from anywhere. We're all familiar with the work-from-home option, but how about work from anywhere, even when you're in the office? Some companies allow employees to choose the location and space that is most conducive to getting the job done.

Paid or subsidized gym/health club membership. Your employees are the most valuable resource you have, so invest in their health and wellness. This is the perk that keeps on giving if you take into consideration how fitness affects productivity and mental clarity.

Free food. Some companies, like Google, go all out, offering every meal, snack or treat for free. Not only does this encourage uninterrupted working, it's also a great perk for spontaneous eaters, aka poor meal planners.

Concierge services. Chores are boring even when you have the time to do them. Imagine having access to a concierge service that assists with daily tasks like dry cleaning pick up or dropping off your car for servicing.

Tuition reimbursement/paid training. Offering paid assistance or sabbatical leave so employees can expand their skills shows you care about their goals and want them to succeed at your company.

Be Perky – and Realistic

Granted, not all companies have the budgets for these types of offerings, but even providing lower-cost perks – like ping-pong tables in the break room – can go a long way.

What are the best perks and benefits you've ever taken advantage of? Could you be swayed by the opportunity to play bocce on your lunch break? Share your must-haves and nice-to-haves in the comments.

For more information on perks and benefits, or to find the most recent starting salaries in the creative industry, check out our Salary Guide.